The condition of Toomer’s Oaks will determine if Auburn Tigers fans will get to take part in one of their favorite traditions this fall, and the outlook so far seems positive.
During college football season, it has become customary for the oak trees at Toomer’s Corner in Auburn to be covered in toilet paper after a big victory by the Tigers. Whether or not that happens next season is still up in the air.
The two trees have been replaced a couple of times in recent years. Back in 2011, they were poisoned by an Alabama fan. In 2016 the trees were burned. New trees replaced the burned ones, and then those ones were replaced too.
According to what an Auburn arborist told WSFA, the current trees at the location are doing well, and fans have been urged to protect them.
“They’re in fair condition at this point,” Auburn University arborist Alex Hedgepath told WSFA 12. “They’re certainly not fully established to their new environment, but considering how large of trees they are and considering the move that they’ve made, I think they’re doing pretty well,” said Hedgepath. “The root development has been very good so we’re hopeful. Right now we’re just asking the fans to help us protect the trees by not rolling them. The university has been determined whether or not the trees will be strong enough to roll this fall but that decision will most likely be made later this summer.”
In 2013, fans gathered to say goodbye to the Toomer’s Oaks prior to their removal as a result of the tree poisoner. Hopefully the new trees won’t have to be replaced anytime soon.
